Dear Abby: Stepdad ready to put his foot down about 42-year-old son who lives with them, does nothing

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I have been married for 40 years. Her 42-year-old son came to live with us four months ago.

He has never worked in his life and does nothing. I’m supporting him now.

Tonight, my wife told me, “Don’t forget about the trash. The pickup comes early in the morning, and I know you don’t want to get up at 5 to put it out.” I said, “Have your son do it. He doesn’t do anything except sleep all day and eat all night.” “Well, he’s in bed already,” she responded.

So I took the trash out and finished the dishes. He walked past me to go outside and have a cigarette (that I bought). Am I wrong to be mad? My wife says I’m wrong. — IMPOSED UPON IN NORTH DAKOTA

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DEAR IMPOSED UPON: You say the son is 42, and you have been married to his mother since he was 2. Who raised him? Was he with his father? Is there something wrong with him that you omitted from your letter? Why is he living with you? Why hasn’t he found a job so he could contribute to his room and board?

When you pointed out that because you are supporting her son, HE and not you should take out the garbage, she should have awakened him and informed him his help was needed. For your sake (and his), put your foot down. You not only have the right to be mad, but you also have the right to make your feelings known.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at


www.DearAbby.com


or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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